William Barrios 
This Is What Fatherhood Means To These 19 Black Artists
Being a biological father and being a dad are two different things, and they don’t always go hand in hand. These artists explore the hard work of parenting, the scars absent parents can leave, and the healing power of love.
Black fatherhood can mean many things to many people. To AJ Troup, it is both the past that he has overcome and the future he’s stepping into. For Pierce Freelon, it is a joyful celebration of love and teachable moments. And for Peniel Enchill, it is the sacrifices Black fathers make every single day to protect their families.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate those that chose to be dads by exploring what it means to these artists and more.
DISCLAIMER: Not every artwork is shown, though clicking on each link will bring you to the piece.
1. If Given the Chance by AJ Troup (Film)
Pierce FreelonPierce Freelon calls this a “family album,” and there’s no better term for D.a.D. Covering topics like brushing your teeth, picking up your clothes, and movie nights, Freelon’s smooth beats and catchy lyrics create a slumber-party-like vibe at the fun family’s house. Freelon also uses his music to empower his daughters and young women everywhere, teaching lessons about consent and that one’s body is their own property.
“If we’re going to change negative stereotypes and misconceptions about Black folks, we need more children’s music artists who look like me.” —Pierce Freelon, Together Tomorrow Annual Conference
When I asked Pierce what Black fatherhood means to him, he said:
“Black fatherhood means showing up and being present for my kids with my whole self: my goofy Dad jokes, my vulnerability, my ancestors and cultural heritage, my world views, and my Afrofuturist unconditional love.”
“Daddy Daughter Day” feat. J Gunn (Official Music Video)
Cbabi BayocvCbabi Bayoc describes When I Become Dad as, “A few images and words of encouragement for our youth to think about when that magical day comes when they themselves become someone’s ‘daddy.’ Especially those that have not had the best of examples.”
This book is a spiritual sequel to a series called “365 Days with Dad,” in which Bayoc drew “a positive image of Black fatherhood” every day for a year.
9. “This Black Dad Breaks Down How Fatherhood Changed His Life” by Farda Eon (Article)
A-digit / Getty ImagesIn this piece, Farda Eon talks about life, to him, being all about new experiences, with fatherhood as the ultimate journey. He touches on many aspects of being a dad, such as the unique issues that can come with being a Black father in a European country. For example, Eon was initially unsure whether he should give his son a traditional African name or something more modern (it took him five months to decide). Ultimately, Eon’s piece is about how all the strangeness and work are worth it for the love his kids show him.
This article also features artwork by Cbabi Bayoc, who is mentioned above (#9).
10. The Future by WAK (Art)
Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty ImagesInspired by James Baldwin and his own father, Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote Between the World and Me as a letter to his 15-year-old son. He dissects race and racism in America, particularly through police shootings. For an incredibly insightful look into the book and a conversation with Coates, you can read this article by The Guardian.
15. Our Father by Ahmad Asaad (Film)
Lee & Low BooksAuthors: Folami Abiade, Dinah Johnson, Carole Boston Weatherford, Dakari Hru, Michael Burgess, E. Ethelbert Miller, Lenard D. Moore, David Anderson, Angela Johnson, Sonia Sanchez, Davida Adedjouma, Javaka Steptoe
Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe
Featuring stunning artwork and a range of voices, In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall is a powerful collection of poetry that examines family. Some writers describe their artistic journey as something inspired by their dads, while others focus on intimate moments.
For one such moment, here is Sonia Sanchez’s poem, “My Father’s Eyes:”
“I have looked into
my father’s eyes and seen an
african sunset.”
19. Fatherhood as Described by Paul Beatty* by Rashid Johnson (Art)
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff / Getty Images*When you click on the link, the piece is the second image from the top of the page.
This piece is likely dealing with Paul Beatty’s classic book The Sellout, in which fatherhood is a major theme. The book focuses on a man who is accused of trying to bring back slavery and segregation to his home and town.
“Fatherhood as Described by Paul Beatty” features branded red oak flooring, black soap, wax, copies of Bill Cosby’s book, Fatherhood, branding irons (which were also used to create some of the markings on the wood), oyster shells filled with shea butter, space rock, gold paint, and a photograph.
The article in which the piece is shown, written by Lucy Hunter, takes a fascinating approach to this concept of Black fatherhood through art. While I have primarily been looking at being a dad through the lens of art, Hunter compares art and parenthood directly.
To end, here are Hunter’s thoughts on the connection between art and fatherhood:
“The rigors of an artistic practice, its daily grind and focus, and labor, cleave closer to the anti-glamour of spit-up and dirty diapers than to any fantasy of pine creative exceptionalism.”
What does fatherhood mean to you?
20. Make sure you head here for more of our Juneteenth coverage!
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